Top 5 High Speed Universal 3G Data Card Dongles for 2014

If you’re a frequent traveler who needs to keep in touch with the world, there’s really nothing like a universal 3G data card dongle. With easily available SIM cards and fairly widespread 3G networks, you can easily stay connected to the internet with an affordable 3G data card since you already have a SIM card on your mobile phone. Universal 3G dongles give you the freedom to choose your network operator according to where you will be, and are generally more flexible, since you can always carry multiple SIMs in case there’s no network of a specific provider in an area. Our previous article about the top 5 universal 3G data card dongles listed devices that had maximum download speed support of 7.2 Mbps, a far cry from current maxed out speeds of 21.6 Mbps, better known as HSDPA. In areas that support it, you can get even better speeds with these high speed universal 3G data card dongles, so here’s our picks if you’re interested in getting one!

The 5 Best High Speed Universal 3G Data Card Dongles

D-Link DWP-157

The most affordable 3G universal data card dongle on our list comes courtesy of D-Link, a well known networking device manufacturer from Taiwan. The DWP-157 (not to be confused with the DWP-156) is a budget device, but packs in pretty much all the features you will need. As mentioned above, it supports HSPA, has a phonebook facility, memory card support upto 32 GB and even has call support! With a 3 year warranty and solid build quality, there’s really nothing to complain about at this price!

Price: Rs. 1199

Netgear AC329U

This rather brightly colored universal 3G dongle from Netgear may not appeal to some users, but if you don’t mind the color, it’s one the best out there! Again, it supports high speed 3G networks and also includes memory card and call support like most of the devices on this list, but what makes it stand out is the compatibility with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux alike. The 1 year warranty period might also turn off some potential buyers, but it’s a great device nonetheless.

Price: Rs. 1449

Micromax MMX210G

Next up is our very own desi offering, the Micromax MMX 210G. Now one of the largest mobile phone manufacturers in the world, Micromax has been steadily gaining popularity and has even roped in Hollywood star Hugh Jackman as their brand ambassador! The MMX 210G is a fully loaded yet affordable universal 3G data card dongle that packs in features like call support, expandable storage support, a phonebook and SMS memory. It’s slick looking and well worth the price!

Price: Rs. 1595

Lava 21G

Our second Indian manufactured device on the list, the Lava 21G is a premium looking universal 3G data card dongle that supports HSPA networks for super fast internet where available. It has a Qualcomm 8200A chipset, includes phonebook and expandable storage support, but unfortunately doesn’t have calling support. But if you’re going to use it only for browsing the internet, the Lava 21G is definitely a device to look out for!

Price: Rs. 1899

Huawei E8231

Last but definitely not the least is the Huawei E8231, product of the largest communications equipment maker in the world. The E8231 is a fantastic device, pretty much made for sharing internet. It’s the only one here with mobile WiFi support, and can share internet with upto 10 devices, with external power. There’s SMS support, but unfortunately no calling or expandable storage support, so if you’re planning to use it to call, you’re out of luck. What it does really well, however, is create a mobile network for business on the go. A great pick for business users!

Price: Rs. 2049

Those were our picks for the refreshed universal 3G data card dongle list for 2014, with HSPA support! If you think there’s another device that should be on this list, do let us know. And as always, queries are welcome!

About The Author

Rahul Gondane is a technophile and gamer, who has been obsessed with everything tech ever since he started dabbling in it in early 2000. He also enjoys reading books, listening to music and watching movies. Rahul is the Chief Operating Officer of Pyrite Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Hi,
Right now I’m using Micromax Ninja A57 mobile and internet on mobile.
And i am going to buy the 3G wifi hispeed usb dongle/ data card within a few days but , here i m little bit confused betn. using internet through mobile wifi hotspot device and with usb datacard.
1. Want to know difference in use betn mobile internet and through usb data carda/dongle , speed wise ,performance wise : which one would be better.
2. I hd visited the Tata docomo store for inquiry about usb dongle , informed me that the device would come in rs. 2000, max wifi device connectivity 5 devices, and the other thing he told me that there are same plan for both networks CDMA and GSM, and going with CDMA is better than GSM ! I asked him y? and how? in brf he said , by network connectivity cdma is btr dn gsm!
Is it true? and then which one should i buy!
I have thought abt to buy the universel usb data card , but after this stuck what to do next? what to choos CDMA or GSM ?????!!!!!!
Need your help!
And thank you very much for sharing all these technical information on the web, it really helps to needed person like me!
Thanking you!

1. They’re pretty much the same, except that mobile phones aren’t really meant to be modems for too long. They can heat up and consume a lot of battery, so dongles are better suited for regular use.

2. CDMA is marginally better in terms of network connectivity because its device specific, but realistically you won’t notice much difference. GSM is SIM based, so you can’t get a universal CDMA dongles, all of them are GSM.

In terms of freedom and ease of use, I’d suggest a universal 3G dongle.

Dear Rahul,
i stay out of india for most of the time due to my job, do these work with sim cards of other countries too?
If so please help me in selecting one of these 5 datacard dongles which has maximum useful features.

Hello Sir/Mam
Just gone through the suggestions given above. I want to know which of the 5 dongles work in rurel area. How can one know that which dongle’s speed is the best in rural and urban areas. Tata docomo’s dongle does not work in rural area. The dongles which accepts sim cards of any company are better economically because as I have gone through the tariff plans of airtel and other companies, they are quite costly. I am a frequent user if youtube and do by online studies from youtube. I need to know which doungle will sute my need best.

hi rahul
i m looking for buying the gsm datacard and wifi hotspot device, can u help which one is best. i have looked one huawei e3276 , is good and if yes than which is the best hotspot device to make it wifi. pls help

1st of all thank you so much for taking out time and posting such a wonderful article.

I am looking for a good quality data card that is reliable and stable as I need to do lot of testing. As a part of my routine, I have to test several websites for one of my client and each website needs to be tested across different mobile operators, at least Idea, Airtel, Vodafone, BSNL and Tata Docomo.

Initially I had a thought of purchasing 2 dual SIMM dual mode/standby mobile phones to in which I can insert SIMM cards of 4 different operators and also avoid the hassles of removing and inserting SIMM cards frequently but that is not a viable option.

I am using android emulators like BlueStacks, chrome plugins etc to emulate any android device but that is currently limited to my broadband connection. I am looking for a good quality data card with Wi-Fi, SMS and calling support as a additional advantage.

Do you think you can suggest me a good data card which will help me on the longer run. There is no budget restriction whatsoever.

I have been wanting to buy a universal data card as Huawei 8231. However, not sure how to ascertain which service provider will give me good connectivity. Taata Photon, Airtel or others. Is there a website which can help us ascertain good connectivity in our area. After all none of us would want to buy an ubiv dongle test multiple sims and then decide which one is best for us. Your thoughts please.

There’s unfortunately no website to tell you how good network connectivity is, the best way to find out would be word of mouth. You can ask around to see what network people around you are most satisfied with in an area.

Mr. Rahul Gondane,
Would you kindly tell me about some of these 3G Modem as described below. I am going to buy a 3G Modem, I don’t know which one is better.
These are :
D-Link DWP-156, D-Link DWM-156, (is it DWP or DWM?)
Huawei E303,
ZTE-MF193E, ZTE-MF193A
pls give me suggestion about these 3G Modem. Which will be better and durable Modem?
regards,bananee@gmail.com

i want a data card for working on sbi kiosak online banking..
please suggest me a best data card for high speed interner access..
and i am already used idea 3g net setter 21.6mbps but its not working properly
thanxxxx

Hi Rahul,
Very informative post.
i want to ask you what is the difference between buying a Huawei universal dongle vs a Huawei networked modem like MTS and getting it unlocked is there any advantage in doing so rather than buying directly a universal modem?
Thanks in advance

They’re basically the same, the network bound ones are usually just stamped with a network, but the hardware is more or less the same. It’s better to get a universal one and skip the unlocking process. You won’t be able to get support for unlocked dongles either.

Hi,
I just wanted to let people know that if you are planning to buy D-link data card online you would not get warranty. As per official website of dlink, http://www.dlink.co.in/support/, Ecommerce and online websites are not authorized D-Link resellers in India. I stumbled upon this while doing a research on best data card. Also, netgear datacard carries one year warranty per online sellers however, as per their website they provide two years.

i need a 3g dongle with wifi for share trading purposes…i am confused between the huwaei power fi E8231 and airtel 3g + wifi dongle…please suggest me which one should i buy…i need the one with high speed

I am looking for a 3G dongle which I can use in western and southern india.
Which dongle do you recommend?
Which SIM should I choose? voda airtel reliance or idea?
Trust the data cards recommended by you are sim neutral. Also what kind if sim eill fit in? for e.g. 3g phone card the sim size is different from 2g.

That sort of depends on the network you opt for, even if you get a really powerful dongle, the network has to be strong enough. If you decide to go for a universal dongle, you’ll probably need to get a SIM from a provider like Airtel, Idea or Reliance. You probably won’t need to put in that much money either, unless you want a mobile WiFi router type dongle.

I want to buy a 3G universal dongle and below are my requirements :
1- It should be universal (Mean I can use any SIM with this card).
2- It should be wifi hotspot enable, so I can connect 4-5 device at a time.
3- I want to use it for long hour 10-12 hrs, so it should not get heat up.
4- Wifi range around 10 to 15 meeter will we good for me.
5- After sell service also one of my consideration .
6- Budget is around 2,000/- ( I can extend it a bit 🙂 )
7- Last but most imp is speed… it should be high speed.. around 21 Mbps will be good for me.

Dear Rahul,
I want a device which will be typically a cross breed between a pen drive and a smart phone. It should be small and light weight and should be a plug n play type like a pen drive. It should have high speed 3g, SIM slot, 1gb of RAM, around 1.2 GHZ of processor, memory to support at least 16 to 32 gb of memory card, GPS and an android platform.
I have an android app which I wish to play once it is plugged in to the USB port of an amplifier or car stereo. Both the charging and the audio out should be through the same point.
Please suggest: is there any such device available in the market – suggest.
Is it possible to manufacture any such product. If yes guide me. Please treat it as urgent,
You could call me on +919937007253

Hello Rahul,
I live in a village nearby Mahabub Nagar District. It is 10 km from the town. I am planning to buy a Internet Modem for Skype calling. I am confused between Universal 3G Data Card and Service provider. Could you please help me out.

hi im looking for a data card which can be used on a PC and as a wifi hotspot for mobiles & tablet. i do not have a wifi adaptor inside my pc. would te huawei E8231 work and are there any other devices too

I want to buy a data card for my girlfriend ..i am confused between the 2.
1. Dlink dwp 157 – read some reviews,many are saying that its a great device but after using it for 2-3 hours the device gets heated up ..besides this no issues ..

2. Huawei e-303fh – same, read some reviews, many are saying that its also a good device but the driver and software installation is very cumbersome, it creates problem while installing software for the same, eats up data also ..

So please tell me which data card should i buy for her ?? These two only comes within my price point ..so your suggestion would be appreciated ..
Thanks

Well It looks like a lot about them
I was looking for a decent dongle that support WiFi hotspot minimum 5 devices, memory card slop minimum 16 gb & can support nearly “ALL DATA CARDS & SIM CARDS ” like 2g,3g & if possible even 4 g. I am going yo use in PC with windows 7

1)I was thinking of Huawae e3531 over huawae e303fh are they worthy & do they support the feature I mentioned above cause after searching the net I saw some say e3531 don’t have WiFi & some say it has WiFi so which is good?
2)If you know any other data card reader in approx that price do recommend it? along with the features even if hawae or other than Huawae brand

Sir
I want to buy a present and future purpose High Speed 3G/4G Dongle. It should be support Windows 7
I am confused two dongles E8231 & E3276
Some reviews shown E3276 does not support indian networks. It will support Airtel 4G?
Please give me better choice
Thanks

The E8231 is not 4G, while the E3276-620 is. It supports Band 40 (2300 MHz) TD LTE, which is most widely used in India. Most cities with 4G as of now, except Chennai and NCR run on Band 40, so you should be able to use it no problem.

I will be working from home for 2 months from a small town in uttar pradesh, allahabad. I do have a WiFi but for back up in case that doesn’t work, I need a dongle that has good speed. Which one would you suggest?

I would like to express my heartfull thanks to you for providing the above valuable information.I too had a similar query as above….
We live in a Rural village where we will be getting enough mobile signal ,but not good strength to do office work from home in 2g network. Currently i am using airtel cdma dongle, where its difficult to browse and delay of mails even. I would like to go with Hauwei E8231, will it be helpful to boost the signal.

Is there any methods of boosting the signal( I mean devices ), to get or acquire better signals( Money doesn’t matter )

Even universal dongles simply use the same network that provider specific dongles use, so there’s no difference between an Airtel branded dongle and a universal dongle with an Airtel SIM. If Airtel isn’t working well, I suggest you pick up a universal dongle and get a new SIM from another network provider who has better coverage in your area. There’s no way to boost the signals either, it just depends on the provider.

Sir i recently bought and had problem on mmx 210G. I had finish installed the software mmx launcher without simcard. And then when i insert the sim(Reliance) on dongle and then cpu, it keeps showing me “The device can perform faster …” and wont detect signal. I look everywhere on web and please help me how to solved my problems

Firstly Thanks for the good infomation.
Can you please let me me for any universal dongles what data plans are supported for the chosen service provider.
E.g if i choose to go with Docomo they have Data plans which we use normally in our mobile phones. Alrernately they have data plans for their Data Cards such Tata photon and photons which have seperate data plans.
For SIM used in universal dongles which data plan is supported ?

Hello Rahul
I am looking to buy a 4G/3G card with plug n play wifi capability(on power bank mostly) .I travel a lot and have an airtel sim for internet.But as u mentioned that Band 40 is not supported in NCR which is an important transit point for me, please suggest me a truly universal solution that supports all the bands so that i can connect seamlessly.I don’t require any other features except high speed and plug n play hotspot.I don’t carry a laptop.Thanks in advance 🙂

I am sorry but I wanted to ask you one more thing since i havent found any answer anywhere after long hours of searching.I have a kingston mobile lite wireless g2 which supports some dongles and dlink DWM 157 is one of them.But it seems that only “DWP”is available in india.Are they same?If not, can DWP support my device? 🙂

I need something like huawei 8278s but what is to be kept in mind before buying about 4g bands i am confused….Any model like that which supports 800,1800,2300 MHz and any other band that should be present in dongle support for india?

Hi Rahul,
Could you suggest any dongles that have the WiFi hotspot option and that which is also compatible with windows 10?? I’m unable to find dongles compatible with windows 10.
Also I read in one of the comments where you wrote that mobiles shouldnt be used as hotspots for long. Could you tell me approximately for how long is it suggested to use as a hotspot? Because I want to decide whether to buy a dongle based on this. If is okay to use it as a hotspot for an hour or two, then I wouldn’t be purchasing a dongle.